News
28 September, 2025
Volatile and victorious
SOMERSET Regional Art Gallery – The Condensery – has been recognised on the Queensland stage, named a finalist in the 2025 Gallery and Museum Achievement Awards (GAMAA) for its landmark exhibition ‘Volatile Terrain’.
Announced at the Museum of Brisbane on Tuesday, September 9, the GAMAA celebrated excellence in Queensland’s galleries and museums.
This year’s awards attracted an unprecedented number of nominations, following a review of categories by Museums & Galleries Queensland.
The Condensery received a Finalist award in the category of Projects: Organisations with 1-6 FTE Paid Staff for its exhibition, ‘Volatile Terrain’.
‘Volatile Terrain’ was displayed over February and April 2025, the first installation of a two-yearly exhibition series called the ‘Harvest Biennial’.
Prioritising the development of new work by emerging local artists, while mentoring them and positioning their practices alongside nationally and internationally recognised peers, the exhibit was recognised for making a remarkable impact on the Somerset region.
Led by The Condensery’s curator, Madeline Brewer, and guest curator, Cara-Ann Simpson, the exhibition was accompanied by a dynamic public program, including artist talks and community workshops, which successfully attracted new audiences, significantly raising the profile of Somerset’s creative scene.
Feedback from attendees highlighted the exhibition as their first encounter with contemporary art, marking a significant step towards inclusivity in the arts.
The 2025 GAMAA judging panel applauded The Condensery’s place-responsive approach to developing this initiative, and commended its prioritising of mentorship, capacity building, collaboration and community engagement.
Museums & Galleries Queensland (M&G QLD) Executive Director, Rebekah Butler, said the exhibit reflected The Condensery’s ongoing commitment to showcasing and celebrating the Somerset Region’s creative stories.
“We commend the Gallery’s efforts in fostering skills development by pairing emerging local and nationally recognised artists, while delivering an environmentally aware and culturally rich Biennial that benefits the whole community,” she said.
Minister for the Arts, John-Paul Langbroek, said all of Queensland’s museums and galleries, which add up to more than 400, play “an important role in sharing our stories, activating and connecting communities and attracting visitors to our regions”.
“Congratulations to everyone who has taken part in this year’s GAMAA, which celebrate individuals and organisations who support community and visitor engagement with arts and cultural experiences,” he said.
Somerset Regional Council Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee member, Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke, said The Condensery’s team of staff, volunteers and the artists involved in ‘Volatile Terrain’ should be proud.
“Volatile Terrain exemplified The Condensery’s commitment to artistic excellence and sector leadership,” she said.
“Through new commissions, curatorial mentorship, and community collaboration, ‘Volatile Terrain’ exemplified The Condensery’s commitment to artistic excellence and sector leadership.
“It fostered meaningful cultural outcomes for artists, audiences, and the wider arts ecology, positioning the ‘Harvest Biennial’ as an original, sustainable and impactful model for regional arts development.”
